Switch Online Is Missing Original Games But Keeps Getting Sequels
In a recent and somewhat perplexing trend, the Nintendo Switch Online service has been adding sequels to notable games, but not their originals. While most of the attention has been focused on the new console libraries being added through the Expansion Pass, Nintendo has also continued its slow drip feed of additions to the NES and Super NES game selection included with a base Switch Online subscription. The most recent game drops for these legacy consoles included Dig Dug 2 for the NES and Earthworm Jim 2 for the SNES, but notably the original Dig Dug and Earthworm Jim are not available through the service. There are no clear answers for why the sequels were prioritized over the originals, at this time, and the decision raises questions as to what exactly the thought process is behind Switch Online game selections.
It is already a well-established fact that Switch Online is better in Japan than Western territories. The most recent update was no exception, as Japanese subscribers received the original SNES Harvest Moon instead of Earthworm Jim 2. The Earthworm Jim games hold nostalgia for many veteran gamers, but the fluid animation which was impressive for the 16-bit era was paired with clunky controls and awkward movement that has aged poorly. Harvest Moon remains relevant with recent releases under its new Stories of Seasons title, and the farming simulator genre has grown bigger than ever thanks to success stories like Stardew Valley. An early take on the farming simulator genre likely commands more interest than an SNES run-and-gun side-scroller with sluggish movement, but if Nintendo was going to add Earthworm Jim games to Switch Online, starting with the original certainly would have seemed more logical.
Related:
Read more on screenrant.com
